Behrens demands consequences after fatal incident in Friedland!

Behrens demands consequences after fatal incident in Friedland!

In connection with the tragic incident in Friedland, in which a 16-year-old girl lost her life, Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) recently admitted clear misconduct by the responsible authorities. On August 11, the student was pushed in front of a train by Muhammad A., a 31-year-old man from Iraq. Behrens and Klaus Dierker, President of the State Reception Authority (LAB), explained to the state parliament's Interior Committee how this incident could have happened. After the events, the authorities came under criticism because A. could not be taken into detention pending deportation before the incident. The application to arrest the alleged perpetrator was rejected by the Hanover district court, and the LAB did not file a complaint because A. should have been released in three days. Behrens described this as “incomprehensible”.

The reactions to the tragedy are clear: the CDU and AfD suspect that the LAB's applications were unprofessional. The state parliament is now calling for far-reaching reforms in dealing with rejected asylum seekers. Behrens plans to develop “model detention applications” to ensure that complaints are filed in similar cases in the future. This is particularly important because A. had already exhibited suspicious behavior in the past but was not arrested.

Inadequate framework conditions

The multitude of challenges that the state reception authority is faced with is also reflected in the staffing levels: There are currently 58 positions advertised for returns, but only 11 of them are filled. LAB President Dierker reported great difficulties in recruiting sufficient staff, which is affecting the efficiency of the authority. In addition, a dispute over salary classification is hindering the filling of vacant positions, as Behren explained.

In addition to these internal problems, the legal framework is also in focus. Behrens intends to change the high legal hurdles for detaining people who are required to leave the country. It is currently only possible to apply for detention if the whereabouts are known - a circumstance that is viewed as illogical. In this context, Behrens is planning a Federal Council initiative to make applications for detention easier.

The role of vulnerability

A central point in the discussion about the Friedland case is the danger to women with a migration and refugee history. Such women are often particularly at risk of being exposed to gender-based and intimate partner violence. The precariousness of their living conditions and the associated social isolation increase their vulnerability. These aspects must definitely be taken into account in future legislation and the protection of those affected by violence DJB emphasized.

The Istanbul Convention stipulates that contracting states must take measures to protect those affected by foreign violence. Residence permits for women who are exposed to domestic violence should also be granted regardless of their partner's residence status. But this is precisely where there is a major gap in the German residence law, which does not offer comprehensive protection for people affected by violence.

The current situation following the Friedland case has made the need for reform particularly clear. Changes not only need to be made with regard to deportation procedures; support for those affected by violence should also urgently be improved. Behrens has already announced the first step in this direction.